🧾 Making charges and VAT refund
Why jewelry costs more than bars.
Jewelry price = association jewelry price × weight + making charge (ค่ากำเหน็จ). The charge is per piece and rises with design complexity.
- Simple pieces often start from a few hundred baht; intricate ones cost much more. Shops differ — ask and compare.
- Small bars may also carry a small fee. Ask for the total price.
- The making charge is not refunded when you sell back.
VAT refund
Gold bars are VAT-exempt, so there is nothing to refund. For jewelry, VAT generally applies only to the making-charge portion, so any refund is small and only available at “VAT Refund for Tourists” shops. Check with the shop and the Thai Revenue Department.